Going vegan can be a challenge, especially at the beginning, but the rewards are so great and healthy once you’re over the initial hump and maintain your commitment to healthy and ethical eating. There are a zillion benefits to reap from going vegan and anti-aging is just one of them. Who doesn’t want that, right?

During your transition or early stages of becoming vegan, maybe you had a few (or probably all) of these thoughts cross your mind. Or, if you’re like me, you shout them out in your kitchen when you’ve finally made a perfect batch of quinoa. Whether it be a motivational aspect, Support, or some good old fashioned fangirling over nutritional yeast, we’ve all been there and can laugh about how difficult we once thought this transition and journey would be.

Be sure to share your favorite vegan “aha!” moment in the comments for our other Green Monsters! Especially the newly vegan, who could use all the Support we can muster.

1. “I Can Do This!”

It seems that if you stick with the vegan lifestyle past the initial hump, you’ll have this wonderful moment of thinking, Yes, I can do this. I can do this well. It comes difficult for some people to make the switch, but once you do, you’ll realize a lot of the dishes you used to make were vegan, the best snacks are vegan, and it’s incredibly empowering to know you’re helping animals in the process.

2. “It’s So Easy!”

With the cornucopia of information available on the Internet, and especially here at One Green Planet, making the switch seemed daunting at first, but now, it’s incredible. You’ve got some life hacks memorized and resources tabbed in your browser. In addition to that, you know the snacks to keep on hand and simple recipes to master before moving on to some of the more challenging (and often more delicious) ones.

3. “Nutritional Yeast Is My Best Friend”

Maybe you’ve found yourself missing cheese at the beginning, but not anymore! Nutritional yeast to save the day! This stuff is high in fiber, B vitamins, and complete protein. It adds a delicious salty/cheesy taste to your dishes and you can’t even remember why you missed cheese in the first place.

4. “There Are So Many Vegetables!”

Never before has the produce section held such appeal in your eyes. It is a veritable feast just waiting to be eaten as is, or cooked with its counterparts to make a delicious meal for family and friends. Have you tried some of these awesome recipes with cruciferous vegetables yet? Your taste buds will thank you.

5. “My Friends Are Incredibly Supportive”

Speaking of making a meal for family and friends, haven’t you felt the Support? Whether it be a dinner party with a vegan option, a snack they made special for you, or a concession to try out the new vegan restaurant an hour away, your friends are your Support system. Even if they aren’t vegan themselves, you find them branching out and trying it to Support you. Maybe you’ve even made some new vegan friends. Talking about the issues, swapping recipes, and even scouring OGP together is a great way to Support one another.

6. “I’m Like a Celebrity”

With celebrities leading the charge on trend setting and informing the masses on what’s the new “it” thing, you rejoice when one of them has something in common with you. We celebrated Mayim Bialik’s awesome posts here on OGP, and now, J-Lo has joined the vegan movement. It certainly makes you feel like a trend-setter, now doesn’t it?

7. “There’s Protein EVERYWHERE”

No need for the awkward questions asking where you find your protein if you don’t eat meat. There is protein pretty much everywhere you look. You know you can find it in tofu and beans, but did you know about these 10 Vegan Foods Packed With Protein?

8. “I Feel Like the Energizer Bunny”

There’s always a lot to do at home or at work, but suddenly, it doesn’t all seem so exhausting! You’re feeling good, full of energy, and tackling tasks isn’t as daunting as it used to be. Maybe it’s the awesome energy-packed superfoods? They sure are delicious.

9. “Everything Tastes So Good”

Suddenly, every bite is bursting with flavor, spices, aromas, and invigorating tastes. You’ve got your cooking skills down pat and you are getting riskier in the kitchen. Good for you! Each dish is like a blank canvas and the ingredients, your paint. Make it as spicy or savory as you like. Try some of these excellent recipes to expand your horizons.

10. “Dang, I Look Great”

A not-so-surprising side effect is the boost a vegan diet can have on your health. Something about going vegan and putting conscious thought into what you put into your body really motivates you to use it in productive ways by exercising and taking care of it. Maybe you’ve noticed stronger muscles and a healthier digestive system in the process as well. Whatever it is, keep it up, baby!

 Lead image source: Mr. Media Training